Cheapside
Having just walked through the now non-existent East Gates of the old city. we see Cheapside immediately to our left.
Cheapside was that portion of the market where, in mediaeval times, out-of-town tradesmen, like the Herricks, ironmongers from Houghton-on-the Hill, were allowed to sell their wares. In the 15th century after the Black Death had left Leicester underpopulated, the city council allowed the Herricks to buy a house here on the right hand side. The Herricks soon became Freemen of the town for centuries they and their descendents played an important part in the growth of the town.
We will continue walking up High Street, past the Shires, mecca of the 'shop 'til you drop' citizens of the contemporary city, until we reach a road junction. At the junction look carefully in the tarmacked road to the right. You will find a small cross in the tarmac formed by granite setts. This marks the site of the last pillar of the town's High Cross which has now been moved to the end of Cheapside